To succeed as a business, our supplier base and everything we do must reflect the same diversity of our customers. Which is why we operate our supplier diversity program in a way that strengthens and widens the playing field for qualified suppliers who are typically underutilized in the supply chains of large corporations.

Building relationships with diverse suppliers helps us engage a wider range of suppliers, which means we harness innovative ideas and processes, gain a competitive advantage and assist in building community infrastructure through employment and training.

Connecting with suppliers

We actively pursue opportunities to connect with suppliers, including diverse suppliers, by participating in and hosting industry and diversity events across our service territory.

Additionally, we collaborate with public/private advocacy organizations such as:

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)

Ohio G.A.T.E.

American Gas Association

Indiana Energy Association

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

Maryland DC Minority Contractors Association

NiSource utilizes these organizations to assist in coaching and developing suppliers.

FAQs

Everyone has a role to play in combating human rights violations. For more information for suppliers regarding combating human trafficking and forced labor, please visit this site. If you suspect human trafficking or forced labor may be occurring, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center immediately at 1-888-373-7888.

Small Business Concern (SB)
A small business concern is as defined pursuant to Section 3 of the Small Business Act and relevant regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Generally, this means a small business concern organized for profit, which is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operations in which it is bidding, and meets the size standards as prescribed in government regulations.

Woman-Owned Business (WBE)
A woman-owned business is a business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more women; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Small Business Concern
This program is based on the geographical area where your business is located and where 35 percent of your employees reside. The company must be small, located in a HUBZone, owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizen(s), at least 35 percent of its employees reside in a HUBZone, and certified by the Small Business Administration.

Veteran-Owned Business (VBE)
A veteran-owned business is a business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more veterans; and (b) the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more veterans.

Disabled-Owned Business
A disabled-owned business is a business (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more persons with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of is owned by one or more persons with disabilities; and (b) the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more persons with disabilities.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
A minority business enterprise is a U.S.-based business concern (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by minorities, or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of that business' stock is owned by one or more minorities; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the minority individuals who own it. Minority persons include African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Asian-Indian Americans and Native Americans.

Workshops for Americans with Disabilities
This organization provides greater access for people with disabilities to training services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services they need to obtain, regain, or maintain employment.

Yes, we track Tier II supplier purchases through our spend capture tool. By using this tool, we’re able to automate how we request, communicate, gather, and consolidate reports from all the suppliers providing Tier II supplier diversity data.

Our supplier program creates an open pathway for decision makers to identify new businesses to work with. You can register with us using our Supplier Application. Your registration does not guarantee a request for bid. If a need develops for your product or services, our procurement team will contact you.